Main Entry: cor·tex

Pronunciation: \ˈkȯr-ˌteks\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural cor·ti·ces \ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsēz\ or cor·tex·es

Etymology: Latin cortic-, cortex bark — more at cuirass

Date: 1677

1 a (1) : the outer or superficial part of an organ or bodily structure (as the kidney, adrenal gland, or cerebellum or a bone); especially : cerebral cortex (2) : the proteinaceous usually pigmented layer of a hair below the cuticle b : the outer part of some organisms (as paramecia)
2 : a plant bark or rind (as cinchona) used medicinally
3 a : the typically parenchymatous layer of tissue external to the vascular tissue and internal to the corky or epidermal tissues of a green plant; broadly : all tissues external to the xylem b : an outer or investing layer of various algae, lichens, or fungi